Former Denver Broncos quarterback Ben DiNucci made a return visit to the team’s training camp this week, this time as a media member rather than a player, and walked away with a clear-eyed view of the operation under Sean Payton.
“This team is going to be really good. They are moving with a swagger, confidence that matches their HC,” he wrote on X after watching Tuesday’s session.
DiNucci never appeared in a regular-season game for Denver despite two stretches on the roster, first in 2023 and again this past offseason.
That limited but real inside experience gives his observations extra texture. He watched a spirited practice that included a scrap involving rookie tight end Justin Joly, quarterback Bo Nix, outside linebacker Nik Bonitto and offensive lineman Calvin Throckmorton.
The physicality did not dominate his recap. Instead he focused on the larger picture of a group that already looks comfortable in its identity.
Nix, in particular, stood out to him as fully healthy. Coaches spent team periods emphasizing movement—read-option looks, pocket shifts and throws from off-platform angles—suggesting they want the young quarterback operating with more freedom than in previous seasons.
The wide-receiver group drew equally strong praise. DiNucci described a room that blends speed and size in ways that should create mismatches. One receiver hauled in multiple contested balls downfield while another ripped off a 25-yard gain on a crossing route early in the period.
The offense itself is expected to take on a different character now that Davis Webb has assumed play-calling duties. Webb, who previously coached the quarterbacks, is stepping into the coordinator role for the first time with the starters. DiNucci hinted that the change will be noticeable without spelling out every schematic tweak.
On the other side of the ball he was equally complimentary. The secondary, he said, is simply loaded. Pat Surtain II remains as smooth as ever, and linebacker Alex Singleton added an interception that illustrated the unit’s opportunistic streak.
Denver led the league in sacks a year ago, and the combination of a stout pass rush and that coverage group remains a foundation even after some roster turnover.
The Broncos have absorbed those changes without losing their footing. A 27-7 preseason win over Atlanta provided an early data point.
Their next test, and the first for the starting units under Webb’s play-calling, comes against Green Bay.
From DiNucci’s vantage point, the swagger he saw on Tuesday is not manufactured. It matches the coach who has been in charge since 2023 and now appears ready to let his staff and players take the next step.
